Segway RMP

[dlavery]

We have known about the Segway RMP (Robot Mobility Platform) for a while, but USAToday has a new story about it (http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/robotics/2004-10-20-rise-of-robots_x.htm) that is kind of interesting.

-dave

[Elgin Clock]

http://images.usatoday.com/tech/_photos/2004/10/20/segwaybot-main.jpg

Dave, what is that little wheelie-bar looking thing on the bottom front of RMP?

Is that just another extra safety device? Or just a kickstand type thing for when not in use?

[Billfred]

http://images.usatoday.com/tech/_photos/2004/10/20/segwaybot-main.jpg

Dave, what is that little wheelie-bar looking thing on the bottom front of RMP?

Is that just another extra safety device? Or just a kickstand type thing for when not in use?
...or is it his most sneaky hint yet, that we'll be going against IR-equipped Segway RMPs in autonomous mode?

(Or, even sneakier--human players, anyone?)

[tkwetzel]

I really like the blue neon underbody lights on it!

[Elgin Clock]

...or is it his most sneaky hint yet, that we'll be going against IR-equipped Segway RMPs in autonomous mode?

(Or, even sneakier--human players, anyone?)
You've been watching some of the "Future of FIRST" team animations haven't you? :) FIRST 2012 - now featuring a fully automated field. :rolleyes:

[team222badbrad]

I think the wheelie bar in the front is a protective device.

Incase the RMP fails, the rest of the expensive equipment will not be damaged because of the wheelie bar?

[pakrat]

I really like the blue neon underbody lights on it!

Our robot had blue underbody lights... It was so fresh and clean!

This is quite a cool story, i had heard about it before, but never actually seen it... :ahh:

[dlavery]

The wheelie bar in front (and in back, but not visible in this picture) is to keep the system upright when it is powered down. Since the whole thing weighs on the order of 300 pounds, trying to pick it up from a prone position when it was turned on each time was not really a viable option.

-dave

[Elgin Clock]

The wheelie bar in front (and in back, but not visible in this picture) is to keep the system upright when it is powered down. Since the whole thing weighs on the order of 300 pounds, trying to pick it up from a prone position when it was turned on each time was not really a viable option.

-dave
Makes sense.. Ha ha billfred.. Not another subtle clue.. or is it? :rolleyes:

[pakrat]

maybe we have to pick up something that is 300 pounds from off the ground